Armand Amendola, Public Member Joan Dobbins, RN Linda Sacheli, LPN John Titsworth, Public Member. Katherine Pellerin, RN

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1 The Board of Examiners for Nursing held a meeting on January 19, 2005 at the Hartford Hospital - Newington Campus, Curtis Building Amphitheater, 181 Patricia M. Genova Drive, Newington, Connecticut. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Nancy Bafundo, RN, Chair Armand Amendola, Public Member Joan Dobbins, RN Linda Sacheli, LPN John Titsworth, Public Member Patricia Bouffard, RN Katherine Pellerin, RN ALSO PRESENT: M. J. McCarthy, Assistant Attorney General Stephen Carragher, Health Program Supervisor Deborah Brown, Health Program Assistant Leslie Scoville, Staff Attorney, Legal Office Ellen M. Shanley, Staff Attorney, Legal Office Roberta A. Swafford, Staff Attorney, Legal Office Diane Wilan, Staff Attorney, Legal Office Janice E. Wojick, Administrative Assistant, DPH Chair Bafundo called the meeting to order at 9:07 AM. REINSTATEMENT REQUEST SHARON BALCOM, RN, R49912 Stephen Carragher and Deborah Brown presented the Board with a Reinstatement Request for Sharon Balcom. It was the recommendation of the Board that Ms. Balcom successfully complete a Board approved refresher program with both theoretical and clinical components. Also the Board requests further information as to the issue of Ms. Balcom working without a license. REINSTATEMENT REQUEST MIRIAM LINCOLN, RN, E42656 Stephen Carragher and Deborah Brown presented the Board with a Reinstatement Request for Miriam Lincoln. It was the recommendation of the Board that Ms. Lincoln successfully complete a Board approved refresher program with both theoretical and clinical components. REINSTATEMENT REQUEST CHARLENE MOLL, RN, R42680 Stephen Carragher and Deborah Brown presented the Board with a Reinstatement Request for Charlene Moll. It was the recommendation of the Board that Ms. Moll successfully complete a Board approved refresher program with both theoretical and clinical components and that she also successfully complete the NCLEX-RN. REINSTATEMENT REQUEST ALLISON SANTOPIETRO, RN, R46180 Stephen Carragher and Deborah Brown presented the Board with a Reinstatement Request for Allison Santopietro. It was the recommendation of the Board that Ms. Santopietro successfully complete a Board approved refresher program with both theoretical and clinical components and that she also successfully complete the NCLEX-RN.

2 FACULTY EDUCATION WAIVER REQUESTS THREE RIVERS COMMUNITY COLLEGE The Board reviewed documentation received from Three Rivers Community College regarding four faculty education waiver requests. John Titsworth arrived at this time. The school presently has two faculty waivered, Laurie Tinelle and Kathleen Rinkes, which were granted one-year waivers on August 18, There was no representation from the school at this meeting. JOAN GRAHAM, BSN, RN The documentation states that Ms. Graham has decided to matriculate into a Master of Science Program at Drexel University beginning this month. It does not state that she has matriculated into a masters program and there was no plan of study provided. Also the Board would like additional information regarding her clinical expertise. Based on the information provided the waiver request is denied at this time until the required information is provided. HEATHER BADER, BSN, RN The documentation provided states that Ms. Bader has shared her plans to matriculate at the University of Hartford in the Masters of Science in Nursing Education Program. The Board requests further information as to whether or not she is matriculated. Based on the information provided the waiver request is denied at this time until the required information is provided. LAURIE MATNEY, RN The documentation provided states that Ms. Matney is matriculating into the Masters in Nursing Program at the University of Connecticut this spring. Based on the information provided the Board did grant a one-year temporary waiver. The Board requests, as soon as possible, Ms. Matney s plan of study. GAIL TURNER, RN The documentation provided states that Ms. Turner is matriculating into the Masters in Nursing Program at the University of Connecticut this spring. Based on the information provided the Board did grant a one-year temporary waiver. The Board requests, as soon as possible, Ms. Turner s plan of study. FACULTY EDUCATION WAIVER REQUEST ST. VINCENT S COLLEGE The Board reviewed documentation received from St. Vincent s College requesting a waiver for Elizabeth M. Armstrong for the position of adjunct clinical faculty. Ms. Armstrong has a BSN in Nursing and is presently a student in the Master of Science in nursing program at the University of Hartford expecting to complete the degree requirements by It was the unanimous decision of the Board to grant a one-year temporary waiver to Ms. Armstrong per Section (e) of the Nursing School Regulations. MOTION FOR SUMMARY SUSPENSION WILLIAM LaCOURSE, LPN, Legal Office Attorney Diane Wilan presented the Board with a Motion for Summary Suspension for William LaCourse. Assistant Attorney General M. J. McCarthy was present to provide counsel to the Board. Mr. LaCourse was not present and did not have representation. Joan Dobbins moved and Linda Sacheli seconded that the Motion for Summary Suspension be granted. The motion passed with all in favor. Chair Bafundo signed the Summary Suspension Order and the Notice of Hearing scheduling the hearing for February 2, 2005.

3 MOTION FOR SUMMARY SUSPENSION LAURA KISATSKY, RN, E57105 Legal Office Attorney Roberta Swafford presented the Board with a Motion for Summary Suspension for Laura Kisatsky. Assistant Attorney General M. J. McCarthy was present to provide counsel to the Board. Ms. Kisatsky was not present and did not have representation. Joan Dobbins moved and Linda Sacheli seconded that the Motion for Summary Suspension be granted. The motion passed with all in favor. Chair Bafundo signed the Summary Suspension Order and the Notice of Hearing scheduling the hearing for February 2, PREHEARING REVIEW SHANNYNN CELLA, RN, Legal Office Attorney Diane Wilan presented the Board with a Prehearing Review for Shannynn Cella. The Respondent was present without representation. It was the recommendation of the Board that this case be dismissed. PREHEARING REVIEW CHRISTOPHER GRIGAITIS, LPN, Legal Office Attorney Ellen M. Shanley presented the Board with a Prehearing Review for Christopher Grigaitis. The Respondent was present without representation. It was the recommendation of the Board that this case be returned as a Motion for Summary Suspension. The Board would also consider a Consent Order and did recommend to Mr. Grigaitis that he contact the Nurses for Nurses Support Group. PREHEARING REVIEW/CONSENT ORDER KARA TAYLOR, RN, E49294 Legal Office Attorney Ellen M. Shanley presented the Board with a Prehearing Review/Consent Order for Kara Taylor. Ms. Taylor was present with counsel, Attorney Louis Todisco. Joan Dobbins moved and Armand Amendola seconded that this Consent Order be denied. The motion passed with all in favor. The Board recommended a Consent Order with three months probation during which time Ms. Taylor shall attend and successfully complete (four) hours of remedial education in patient rights and reporting requirements of Connecticut General Statutes 17b-407, pre-approved by the Department. Within one month of the completion of such coursework, Respondent shall provide the Department with proof, to the Department s satisfaction, of the successful completion of such course(s). PREHEARING REVIEW/CONSENT ORDER NANCY APUZZO, RN, E42036 Legal Office Attorney Ellen M. Shanley presented the Board with a Prehearing Review/Consent Order for Nancy Apuzzo. Ms. Apuzzo was present with counsel, Attorney Louis Todisco. Joan Dobbins moved and Armand Amendola seconded that this Consent Order be accepted. The motion passed with all in favor. PREHEARING REVIEW/CONSENT ORDER DONNA KRIKSCIUS, LPN, Legal Office Attorney Leslie Scoville presented the Board with a Prehearing Review/Consent Order for Donna Krikscius. Ms. Krikscius was present without representation. Linda Sacheli moved and John titsworth seconded that this Consent Order be accepted. The motion passed with all in favor. PREHEARING REVIEW/CONSENT ORDER DONNA FLEMING DeGRAZIA, RN, E45605 Legal Office Attorney Roberta Swafford presented the Board with a Prehearing Review/Consent Order for Donna Fleming DeGrazia. Ms. DeGrazia was present without representation. Joan Dobbins moved and Linda Sacheli seconded that this Consent Order be accepted. The motion passed with all in favor.

4 MEMORANDUM OF DECISION MAUREEN QUIDGEON, RN, E49104 Janice E. Wojick presented the Board with a Memorandum of Decision for Maureen Quidgeon. Joan Dobbins moved and Linda Sacheli seconded that the Board affirm its prior decision to revoke Ms. Quidgeon s RN license. The motion passed with all in favor. MEMORANDUM OF DECISION MARSHA WHEELER, RN, E36554 Janice E. Wojick presented the Board with a Memorandum of Decision for Marsha Wheeler. Joan Dobbins moved and Linda Sacheli seconded that the Board affirm its prior decision to revoke Ms. Wheeler s RN license. The motion passed with all in favor.

5 The Board of Examiners for Nursing held a meeting on February 2, 2005 at the Hartford Hospital - Newington Campus, Curtis Building Amphitheater, 181 Patricia M. Genova Drive, Newington, Connecticut. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Nancy Bafundo, RN, Chair Joan Dobbins, RN Katherine Pellerin, RN Linda Sacheli, LPN John Titsworth, Public Member Armand Amendola, Public Member Patricia Bouffard, RN ALSO PRESENT: Daniel Shapiro, Assistant Attorney General Diane Cybulski, Supervising Nurse Consultant Valerie Bryan, Supervising Nurse Consultant Donna Canalis, RN Consultant Deborah Brown, Health Program Assistant Ellen M. Shanley, Staff Attorney, Legal Office Roberta A. Swafford, Staff Attorney, Legal Office Diane Wilan, Staff Attorney, Legal Office Janice E. Wojick, Administrative Assistant, DPH Dana Foster, Court Reporter Chair Bafundo called the meeting to order at 9:15 AM. STUDENTS Chair Bafundo welcomed students from Capitol Community College and the University of Hartford. CHAIR UPDATES Chair Bafundo attended a Finance Committee Meeting at the NCSBN in Chicago Chair Bafundo met with David Carlow from DMR regarding the process of looking at medication administration in group homes where they want to utilize the LPN to validate CNA medication administration Chair Bafundo participated in the NCSBN Executive Officer Teleconference Chair Bafundo participated in the Geriatric Seminar at the University of Hartford OPEN FORUM There were no issues bought up from the audience. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS AND REORDERING OF AGENDA There are no reinstatement requests for this meeting.

6 SCHOOL ISSUES EXCELSIOR COLLEGE M. Bridget Nettleton, Dean of the School of Nursing at Excelsior College, was present for this discussion. The Board has been corresponding with Dean Nettleton regarding the following issues: clarification regarding the Applied Science Degree, where does the applicant pool come from, what are the types of roles for nursing, what has been the attrition rate of students in the applicant pool, what is the success rate of surgical techs and CNAs, why have some states rescinded or are considering rescinding the Excelsior Program for licensure in their specific state, what is the attrition rate in the Bachelor s Degree Program, what is the NCLEX pass rate for the past five years, and clarification of how students are assisted in learning skills by family and friends, and what does the term significant clinical backgrounds refer to, is there a way of measuring significant and could the Board be provided with specific examples which would more accurately clarify these terms? Dean Nettleton and her colleague provided the Board with an excellent presentation which answered all of the above questions concerning their unique program. The Board thanked both Dean Nettleton and her colleague for taking the time out of their busy schedules to make the trip from Albany and for sharing their program goals with the Board. LEGISLATION/REGULATION UPDATE Valerie Bryan apprised the Board of Bills which might be of interest to the Board which may or may not be raised during this Legislative Session. These include the impaired nurse bill, improving the quality of care in chronic disease facilities, medical testing by respiratory therapists, whistleblower protection for health care employers, health insurance coverage, the med tech bill, Good Samaritan laws, expanding prescriptive authority, expediting licenses for military spouses, collaborative prescriptive authority for pharmacists, eliminating sales and use tax for acute care for profit hospitals, and school children carrying over the counter prepackaged medications in schools. The Board has concerns that they are not being kept informed of the latest activity on bills and when testimony is due, the time, place, etc., on upcoming legislative issues. This is yet another responsibility that was handled by the former Executive Officer. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF STATE BOARDS OF NURSING UPDATE The Mid Year Meeting will be held in March in Chicago The Executive Officer Retreat will be held in Fort Lauderdale in April Two more states now have multistate licensure Working on 100% compliance with all Boards of Nursing with Nursys Working with JACHO to be a site for verifications Working on foreign applicants to take NCLEX in designated sites outside the United States In agreement with NCSBN that APRN should have a valid RN license DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE UPDATE Valerie Bryan apprised the Board that she spoke with Cheryl Carotenuti at the Department of Education regarding medication administration in the school system. The regulation process is moving forward and should be available for internal review within the next few months. They are also moving forward with the standards for school nurses using the national standard.

7 SCHOOL ISSUES - PNE PROGRAMS CLINICAL FACULTY COVERAGE Naida Arcenas, Health Technology Consultant for the Vocational-Technical School System, was present for discussion regarding the content of the letter sent to Abigail Hughes of the Vo-Tech School System dated November 24, At its November 3, 2004 meeting the BOEN learned that there were two Practical Nurse Education Programs (PNEP) whose Department Heads were providing full-time clinical coverage due to lack of substitute faculty. The clinical coverage began September, 2004 and the Department Heads were told that it would take four to six weeks before the needed faculty positions were filled. The students were beginning their acute care rotation, and the BOEN requested discussion in an effort to work jointly to facilitate a more timely response to the problems identified, before the students were impacted. The schools identified were Eli Whitney Vocational Technical School in Hamden, and J. M. Wright Vocational Technical School in Stamford. Both Department Heads were present for this discussion. The following discussions occurred: Ms. Mary Ann Kennedy from the J. M. Wright PNEP reported that a replacement faculty member was hired January 3, During this time Ms. Kennedy did not receive managerial assistance. Staff members offered assistance and administrative work was done after hours. Ms. Ann Simko from the Eli Whitney PNEP reported that a faculty member was hired August 13, 2004, however, she was lacking the proper qualifications. New interviews began October 25, 2004 and an individual was given a lateral transfer to begin January 21, However, due to personal problems, this individual did not begin employment. Interviews have now been scheduled for February 25, Ms. Simko has not received managerial assistance. Ms. Arcenas reported that there is now a state hiring freeze, and the fact that impacts the hiring process for substitute faculty is the non-competitive salary which was recently increased to $ per day. Negotiation for the teacher s contracts will not occur until January, At this time the plan is to amend the salary to a competitive level. Additional problems include the lack of central personnel, the lack of timelines for hiring, and the fact that individuals are not schooled in the necessary hiring process. Advertisements do not get posted in a timely manner and resumes are not screened correctly. The Affirmative Action process has changed and it takes one to two weeks to get a person approved. Secretarial support is a continuing problem since it is only approved for a ten-month period. Individuals leave or are pulled and the Department Heads must apply for secretarial support each year. Ms. Arcenas is presently screening all resumes. There are thirteen applicants who meet the qualifications at this time however only six applicants are appropriate for the needed areas. Ms. Arcenas is now developing a functional job description to obtain a durational position so an employee would get full pay and be available to substitute as needed. Different areas of advertisement have been requested by Ms. Arcenas as well.

8 In addition, site visits during 2004 elicited concerns from the BOEN due to lack of equipment, i.e. computers, mannequins in disrepair, limited space, lack of custodial service, and in one program desks sized for high school students are used by adult learners. Ms. Arcenas notified the BOEN that her last day as Health Technology Consultant is February 3, The Board is requesting immediate contact as to when a replacement for Ms. Arcenas will be forthcoming. Given the significance of the deficits identified the Board may be required to rescind approval status of the Vocational-Technical Practical Nurse Education Programs unless there has been a change in the status. Another letter will be sent to Abigail L. Hughes, Superintendent of the Vo-Tech School System with the above Board s concerns. THREE RIVERS FACULTY EDUCATION WAIVER REQUESTS Linda Perfetto, Interim Director of Nursing and Allied Health at Three Rivers College, was present to provide the Board with the additional information requested from the January 19 th Board Meeting. At that meeting two temporary waivers were granted for one year to Laurie Matney and Gail Turner. However, the Board did request a plan of study toward an MSN degree for each individual. At this meeting Linda Perfetto rescinded the request for the waiver for Laurie Matney and Gail Turner. At the January 19 th meeting the Board reviewed the resume for Joan Graham. The Board requested additional information regarding her clinical experience and information on her plan of study. The information was received although one letter was not signed. The one-year waiver for Joan Graham will be granted upon receipt of the signed documentation requested. At the January 19 th meeting the Board reviewed the resume for Heather Bader. The Board requested proof of matriculation toward an MSN degree. Once the Board receives proof of matriculation into the MSN Program on University of Hartford letterhead and the plan of study, the one-year waiver will be granted. SCHOOL ISSUES - NURSE CREWS FEASIBILITY STUDY Emily Cruz, CEO/President, and Elaine Wozniak, RMA, were present for this discussion. The Board reviewed the documentation presented. The Board requested that the surveys submitted to various schools, long-term-care facilities, and one hospital be summarized and synthesized. The Feasibility Study must look at the demographics of the population to be served, the geography of the area (who will come to the program), and the suitability of having a program in this area. The Board suggested that Nurse Crews might benefit by obtaining information from other schools as to what their Feasibility Study included. Obtaining a consultant to assist in this area is also a possibility. After the discussion the Board requested that another report be submitted to the Board once completed.

9 SCHOOL ISSUES HOWELL CHENEY PNEP REPORT Barbara Linder, Department Head was present for this discussion. The Board reviewed the report of the Decennial Visitation May 3-6, 2004 as an addition to the evaluation review of November 8-9, The report was accepted. SCHOOL ISSUES SELF STUDY LPN REFRESHER PROGRAM WASHINGTON STATE The Board reviewed the LPN Refresher Course curriculum and requested clarification of the following information. Page 2 The refresher course was developed to meet the requirement of the law relating to nursing care for Washington State. The Board would like to know how they address the statutes for other states. Page 34 #4 How is the nursing process addressed? Data collection vs. assessment which is done by the RN only. How is this clarified? Page 50 B. The student will develop one Nursing Care Plan. Does the LPN actually develop the nursing care plan or do they contribute to the development of the care plan? Need clarification of the role of the LPN. Page 53 #19 What are the legal obligations of nurses who believe co-workers are abusing drugs and/or alcohol? Page 57 #7&#8 The Board requests clarification of the LPNs role. Page 29 Communication with other team members should be addressed in other areas of the curriculum. Page 29 is the only area where this is discussed. Page 3 #1 The Board requests information as to what a Limited Educational License is. Is this a temporary license as addressed on Connecticut s Web site? It was the unanimous decision of the Board to re-review the curriculum once the above information has been clarified. SCHOOL ISSUES RN STUDENTS TO LPN PROGRAM Katherine Pellerin, RN Nursing Board Member and Department Head of the Norwich PNE Program, initiated this discussion. At times there are students who have been pursuing nursing education to become a registered nurse and are not successful. The student may then elect to transfer into a practical nurse program as an alternative. It has led to a discussion that required clinical hours in a practical nurse program and a registered nurse program are different. The practical nurse program must evaluate the clinical hours of the student. The student must have 795 hours of clinical work in order to graduate without exception.

10 SCHOOL ISSUES UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT NCLEX RESULTS Dr. Laura Dzurec, Dean and Professor of the Nursing Program at UConn, and John McNulty, faculty, were present for this discussion regarding the NCLEX results for the third quarter of Miscoding errors in the NCLEX-RN Licensing Examination Report for the BSN Program and the Masters Entry Into Nursing Certificate Program were found. Stephen Carragher, DPH Examinations and Licensure Section Supervisor, worked with Mr. McNulty, Instructor and Undergraduate Academic Advisor from UConn, to recode the two programs in an effort to determine the correct scores. The Board reviewed the report submitted. Passing rates have been achieved for both programs. The School of Nursing s plan of response for these lower than anticipated scores was submitted. The Board unanimously approved the plan of action and will continue to monitor the NCLEX scores for both programs. SCOPE OF PRACTICE INQUIRIES DURING THE MONTH OF JANUARY, 2005 Donna Canalis discussed the inquires received in the Board Office this past month. A few requests came into the office requesting whether an individual can work as an LPN and an RN. The Board stated that the nurse has to be very clear as to his/her role and they cannot let the boundaries cross. Another call was from an APRN licensed in women s health and wanted to know if she could accept a job in long-term-care. The APRN has to demonstrate that he/she has the knowledge and competence to do the job. The Board referred the nurse to the Board s Decision Making Model which is on the Board s Web Site. SCOPE OF PRACTICE ADMINISTRATION OF BUPIVICAINE IN THE HOME BY RNs The Board reviewed the documentation received in the mail regarding the administration of Bupivicaine in the home by RNs via Axillary or Epidural access catheters. In the June 6, 2001 Board Minutes the Board found that the administration of this drug was not within the scope of practice of RNs but within the scope of practice for CRNAs. The Board expressed concerns about the safety of this agent in the home care setting, as it may cause respiratory arrest as late as six hours following administration. The 2001 Board Minutes did not differentiate if this was pertaining to Intravenous administration or all routes of administration. Currently Bupivicaine is being administered in very dilute concentrations through Axillary and Epidural catheters and they would like to clarify the Board s standing on this. REINSTATEMENT HEARING REQUEST RE: APRN LICENSURE FRANKLIN RECTOR, RN The Board reviewed the written request of Franklin Rector regarding a reinstatement hearing for his APRN license. Mr. Rector was present with Attorney Scott Lewis. Joan Dobbins recused herself from this discussion. Chair Bafundo asked Mr. Rector if he had any objections to her participating in the discussion as he had worked at Hartford Hospital. Mr. Rector had no objection. It was the unanimous decision of the Board Members present that Mr. Rector be granted a hearing in an attempt to reinstatement his APRN license. The hearing will be scheduled for July 20, 2005 at the Legislative Office Building.

11 MOTION TO WITHDRAW STATEMENT OF CHARGES LAURA KISATSKY, RN, E57105 Legal Office Attorney Roberta A. Swafford presented the Board with a Motion to Withdraw Statement of Charges. Ms. Kisatsky was not present nor did she have representation. Katherine Pellerin moved and John Titsworth seconded that the Motion to Withdraw the Statement of Charges be accepted. The motion passed with all in favor and Chair Bafundo signed the Motion. MOTION FOR SUMMARY SUSPENSION CHRISTOPHER GRIGAITIS, LPN Legal Office Attorney Ellen Shanley presented the Board with a Motion for Summary Suspension for Christopher Grigaitis. Mr. Grigaitis was present without counsel. Assistant Attorney General Daniel Shapiro was present to provide counsel to the Board. Katherine Pellerin moved and John Titsworth seconded that the Board move into Executive Session to discuss legal issues with the Assistant Attorney General. The room was cleared of observers. After discussion Joan Dobbins moved and Linda Sacheli seconded to deny the Motion to Summary Suspension but to expedite the hearing. The motion passed with all in favor. The hearing will be scheduled for February 16, CONSENT ORDER TERRI ALEXANDER-EPPS, RN, Legal Office Attorney Diane Wilan presented the Board with a Consent Order for Terri Alexander-Epps. Linda Sacheli moved and Katherine Pellerin seconded that this Consent Order be denied and that this case be dismissed. The motion passed with all in favor. Linda Sacheli left for the day. HEARING ALICIA STEINER, RN, The hearing convened at 1:27 PM. Legal Office Attorney Ellen M. Shanley was present representing the Department of Public Health. Assistant Attorney General Daniel Shapiro was present to provide counsel to the Board. Ms. Steiner was not present and did not have representation. There was no testimony provided. The hearing closed at 1:36 PM. FACT FINDING REMEDY Joan Dobbins moved and John Titsworth seconded that Ms. Steiner be found as charged. The motion passed unanimously. Joan Dobbins moved and John Titsworth seconded that Ms. Steiner s license be revoked. The motion passed unanimously. MEMORANDUM OF DECISION PAMELA GAGE, APRN, RN Janice E. Wojick presented the Board with a Memorandum of Decision for Pamela Gage. Joan Dobbins moved and John Titsworth seconded that the Board affirm its prior decision to place Ms. Gage s APRN and RN licenses on probation for four years. The motion passed unanimously.

12 The Board of Examiners for Nursing held a meeting on February 16, 2005 at the Hartford Hospital - Newington Campus, Curtis Building Amphitheater, 181 Patricia M. Genova Drive, Newington, Connecticut. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Nancy Bafundo, RN, Chair Armand Amendola, Public Member Joan Dobbins, RN Katherine Pellerin, RN Linda Sacheli, LPN John Titsworth, Public Member Patricia Bouffard, RN ALSO PRESENT: Tanya Feliciano, Assistant Attorney General Linda Fazzina, Staff Attorney, Legal Office Leslie Scoville, Staff Attorney, Legal Office Ellen M. Shanley, Staff Attorney, Legal Office Diane Wilan, Staff Attorney, Legal Office Jeffrey A. Kardys, Administrative Hearings Specialist, DPH Gail Gregoriades, Court Reporter Chair Bafundo called the meeting to order at 9:05 AM. STUDENTS Chair Bafundo welcomed students from Howell Cheney Practical Nurse Education Program, Capital Community Technical College, and the University of Connecticut. THREE RIVERS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FACULTY EDUCATION WAIVER REQUEST Linda Perfetto, Interim Dean of the Nursing Program, was present for this discussion. The Board received a letter from the University of Hartford and Heather Bader has not matriculated into an MSN program, therefore the requirements for granting a waiver pursuant to current regulations have not been met. The waiver for Heather Bader was denied. A waiver request for Laurie Matney was also presented to the Board. Joan Dobbins moved and Armand Amendola seconded that the temporary waiver be granted for one year. The motion passed with all in favor. MOTION FOR SUMMARY SUSPENSION HELEN SATKUNAS, RN Legal Office Attorney Leslie Scoville presented the Board with a Motion for Summary Suspension for Helen Satkunas. Ms. Satkunas was present without counsel. Assistant Attorney General Tanya Feliciano was present to provide counsel to the Board. Joan Dobbins moved and Katherine Pellerin seconded that this Motion for Summary Suspension be granted. The motion passed with all in favor. Chair Bafundo signed the Summary Suspension Order and the Notice of Hearing scheduling the hearing for March 2, 2005 at 11:30 AM.

13 MOTION FOR SUMMARY SUSPENSION DEBORAH LaBRIE, RN Legal Office Attorney Ellen M. Shanley presented the Board with a Motion for Summary Suspension for Deborah LaBrie. Ms. LaBrie was present with counsel, Attorney Martha Murray. Assistant Attorney General Tanya Feliciano was present to provide counsel to the Board. Linda Sacheli moved and Katherine Pellerin seconded that this Motion for Summary Suspension be granted. The motion passed with Chair Bafundo, Katherine Pellerin, and Linda Sacheli in favor and Joan Dobbins and Armand Amendola were opposed. Chair Bafundo signed the Summary Suspension Order and the Notice of Hearing scheduling the hearing for March 2, 2005 at 11:30 AM. PREHEARING REVIEW/CONSENT ORDER PATRICIA LOPA, RN Legal Office Attorney Linda Fazzina presented the Board with a Prehearing Review/Consent Order for Patricia Lopa. Ms. Lopa was not present and did not have representation. Joan Dobbins moved and Katherine Pellerin seconded that this Consent Order be accepted. The motion passed with all in favor. Chair Bafundo signed the Order. PREHEARING REVIEW/CONSENT ORDER MARTHA BLOOD, RN Legal Office Attorney Linda Fazzina presented the Board with a Prehearing Review/Consent Order for Martha Blood. Ms. Blood was present with counsel, Attorney Martha Murray. Katherine Pellerin moved and Linda Sacheli seconded that this Consent Order be accepted. The motion passed with all in favor. Chair Bafundo signed the Order. PREHEARING REVIEW/CONSENT ORDER WILLIAM HINES, RN Legal Office Attorney Leslie Scoville presented the Board with a Prehearing Review/Consent Order for William Hines. Mr. Hines was present without counsel. Joan Dobbins moved and Katherine Pellerin seconded that this Consent Order be accepted. The motion passed with all in favor. Chair Bafundo signed the Order. PREHEARING REVIEW/CONSENT ORDER KRISTINA VANDEROEF, LPN Legal Office Attorney Ellen Shanley presented the Board with a Prehearing Review/Consent Order for Kristina Vanderoef. Ms. Vaneroef was not present and did not have representation. Linda Sacheli moved and Katherine Pellerin seconded that this Consent Order be accepted. The motion passed with all in favor. Chair Bafundo signed the Order. MEMORANDUM OF DECISION MICHAEL HASSELBACHER, RN Jeffrey A. Kardys presented the Board with a Memorandum of Decision for Michael Hasselbacher. Joan Dobbins moved and Katherine Pellerin seconded that the Board affirm its prior decision to place Mr. Hasselbacher s license on suspension for six months followed by four years probation. The motion passed with all in favor. Chair Bafundo signed the Order. HEARING CHRISTOPHER GRIGAITIS, LPN The hearing convened at 10:15 AM. Legal Office Attorney Ellen Shanley was present representing the Department of Public Health. Assistant Attorney General Tanya Feliciano was present to provide counsel to the Board. Mr. Grigaitis was present without representation. Testimony was provided by Christopher Grigaitis and Kory Groszyk, RN. The hearing concluded at 11:10 AM.

14 FACT FINDING/REMEDY Joan Dobbins moved and Linda Sacheli seconded that Mr. Grigaitis be found on all charges. The motion passed with all in favor. Joan Dobbins moved and Katherine Pellerin seconded that the current probation pursuant to the June 18, 2003 Memorandum of Decision remain in effect with no further discipline. The motion passed unanimously. HEARING VALERY COVELLO, LPN The hearing convened at11:20 AM. Legal Office Attorney Linda Fazzina was present representing the Department of Public Health. Assistant Attorney General Tanya Feliciano was present to provide counsel to the Board. Ms. Covello was present with counsel, Attorney Ellen Costello. Testimony was provided by Ms. Covello. The hearing concluded at 12:50 PM and was continued to April 6, 2005 at 11:30 AM for additional evidence from Respondent and closing remarks. HEARINGS WENDY OLDS, LPN The hearing convened at 12:55 PM. Legal Office Attorney Ellen Shanley was present representing the Department of Public Health. Assistant Attorney General Tanya Feliciano was present to provide counsel to the Board. Ms. Olds did not attend the hearing and did not have representation. The hearing concluded at 1:05 PM. FACT FINDING/REMEDY Joan Dobbins moved and Katherine Pellerin seconded that Ms. Olds be found on all charges. The motion passed unanimously. Katherine Pellerin moved and Linda Sacheli seconded that Ms. Olds license be revoked. The motion passed unanimously.

15 The Board of Examiners for Nursing held a meeting on March 2, 2005 at the Hartford Hospital - Newington Campus, Curtis Building Amphitheater, 181 Patricia M. Genova Drive, Newington, Connecticut. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Nancy Bafundo, RN, Chair Armand Amendola, Public Member Patricia Bouffard, RN Joan Dobbins, RN Katherine Pellerin, RN Linda Sacheli, LPN John Titsworth, Public Member ALSO PRESENT: Rose McGovern, Assistant Attorney General John Gadea, Director, Drug Control Division, DCP Diane Cybulski, Supervising Nurse Consultant, DPH Valerie Bryan, Supervising Nurse Consultant, DPH Donna Canalis, RN Consultant, DPH Nancy Nicolescu, Legislative Analyst, DPH Leslie Scoville, Staff Attorney, Legal Office, DPH Roberta A. Swafford, Staff Attorney, Legal Office, DPH Diane Wilan, Staff Attorney, Legal Office, DPH Janice E. Wojick, Administrative Assistant, DPH Dana Foster, Court Reporter Chair Bafundo called the meeting to order at 9:05 AM. STUDENTS Chair Bafundo welcomed students from Capitol Community College, Central Connecticut State University, Saint Joseph College, and the University of Hartford. CHAIR UPDATES Chair Bafundo attended the NCSBN Finance Committee Meeting in Chicago in February Chair Bafundo gave a presentation to nursing students at the University of Hartford Katherine Pellerin met with Drew Soltys, Department of Education Vo-Tech Systems, regarding the hiring of an instructor for the Eli Whitney PNEP Program. An instructor had been hired although they are not sure when she will be starting due to the state system Katherine Pellerin apprised the Board that the last entrance exam for PNEP was given last Saturday and the candidate pool for the exam was 4,000. There are only 400 student positions available for the next enrollment. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS AND REORDERING OF AGENDA Naugatuck Valley Community College Waiver Extension John Gadea, Drug Control Division, Rapidity of Discipline Cases from DCP to DPH

16 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Nancy Nicolescu, Legislative Analyst from the Department of Public Health, was present for this discussion. Ms. Nicolescu provided the Board with a summary of the 2005 Legislative Session bills which are Board related. House Bill 5807: An Act Concerning Physician Assistants Delegated Functions. The purpose of this bill is to give physician assistant s greater autonomy in implementing delegated functions. House Bill 5814: An Act Expanding The Prescriptive Authority of Physicians Assistants. The purpose of this bill is to expand the prescriptive authority of physician s assistants. The Board would like to go on record as opposing these bills. The Board feels strongly that this would expand the scope of practice for a physician assistant. The addition of prescribing authority for these additional drugs would require an independent assessment by the physician assistant. The Board believes that a physician s assistant license does not provide for this to be done. House Bill 5823: An Act Concerning Licensure As An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. The purpose of this bill is to reduce the licensing fees paid by APRNs. Joan Dobbins moved and Katherine Pellerin seconded that the Board is opposed to this bill. The Board feels that an APRN should also be required to hold a license as an RN. The functions and scope of practice for each license are different and mutually exclusive. The current licensure fee as a RN is $50.00 and not excessive or prohibitive. The motion pass unanimously. House Bill 5831: An Act Concerning Retired Licensure for Nurses. The purpose of this bill is to allow retired nurses to practice nursing for monetary compensation. Joan Dobbins moved and Linda Sacheli seconded that the Board is opposed to this bill. The motion passed with all in favor. The Board has concerns that a nurse working for compensation should hold an active license. Without a license, there would be no oversight of the practice for that nurse. The Board further believes that when a nurse holds a license there are minimal standards under which the nurse must practice. Without this license there is no protection of the public. House Bill 5839: An Act Requiring Hospitals to Provide Forensic Nursing or Sexual Assault Crisis Services. The purpose of this bill is to require hospitals to provide quality forensic nursing services to patients who have been assaulted. The Board wishes to go on record in support of this hill. The addition of forensic nurses and/or sexual assault crisis services in a hospital setting will enhance the care and services patients receive. The collection of forensic evidence and the manner in which this evidence is collected will presumably be of a higher quality while providing the patient with supportive services.

17 House Bill 6301: An Act Concerning Dialysis Patient Care Technicians. The purpose of this bill is to permit dialysis patient care technicians to initiate and terminate dialysis while under the supervision of a RN who is experienced in dialysis care. Joan Dobbins moved and Katherine Pellerin seconded that the Board is opposed to this bill. The Board feels very strongly that in an out-patient dialysis unit, a licensed RN is the health care provider who should be administering medications necessary to initiate and terminate dialysis treatments. Allowing a dialysis technician to perform this care is outside the scope of practice for a dialysis technician. The Board has great concerns that the safety of the public is placed at risk by this proposed legislation. The motion passed with all in favor. House Bill 6585: An Act Establishing a Program For Impaired Nurses. The purpose of this bill is to establish a program for impaired nurses to intervene, evaluate, and treat nurses with substance abuse or certain other problems so they may return to treating patients. Katherine Pellerin moved and Linda Sacheli seconded that the Board provide a letter to the Public Health Committee in support of this bill. The motion passed with all in favor. The Board supports improvements in the process for dealing with impaired nurses and is looking at the structure of this bill. Senate Bill 305: An Act Concerning Good Samaritan Laws for Pro Bono Work by Retired Health Care Practitioners. The Board wishes to go on record as opposed to this bill. The Board has concerns about a nurse who works without a license as there would be no oversight of that practice. The Board further believes that when a nurse holds a license there are minimal standards under which the nurse must practice. Without this license there is no protection of the public. DISCIPLINE: DRUG CONTROL CASES John Gadea, Director of the Drug Control Division of the Department of Consumer Protection, and Gerry DeStefano, Principal Agent, were present to discuss the timeliness of cases from Drug Control to the Department of Public Health. As is with all state agencies the Drug Control Division lost a considerable amount of workforce when the last retirement package was offered two years ago. Since that time only recently two agents have been hired and were put into the workforce. At DCP Consumer Complaints and Diversion Cases are top priority cases. There are some cases which could be sent over to DPH more quickly but DCP is waiting for further documentation on rehab reports, etc. John Gadea will discuss with Kathy Boulware of DPH to see if these cases can be sent over with a notation that amendments to the case will follow at a future date which will allow DPH to start the process on these cases at the Department. The Board congratulated John Gadea on his appointment as Director of the Drug Control Division of DCP and looks forward to working with him and his staff.

18 SCOPE OF PRACTICE DMR MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION RN DELEGATION TO LPNs David Carlow, Director of Health & Clinical Services at DMR, was present for this discussion. The Board reviewed all the documentation with Mr. Carlow. The Board views this process as a monitoring and validation process, and the use of the checklist substantiates that this is a task delegated by the RN to the LPN. The Board made the following recommendations to be submitted to the Board. Once the revisions are made the Board will grant full approval: changes to the delegation protocol, selection process for LPN, identification of orientation time frames, form checklist - recommend changing as the agency RN, I certify that the statements made by me be changed to me. When changes have been made Mr. Carlow will forward documentation to the Board for their review. SCHOOL ISSUES: NAUGATUCK VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE WAIVER EXTENSION Joanne Ottman, Director of the Associate Degree Nursing Program, was present for this discussion. The school is requesting a one-year waiver extension for Oliver Clark who was granted a one-year waiver in March of Mr. Clark has completed 50% of studies toward his MSN degree. Joan Dobbins moved and Katherine Pellerin seconded that a one-year temporary waiver be granted to Mr. Clark. The motion passed with all in favor. Break 10:20 AM 10:30 AM SCHOOL ISSUES: NEW ENGLAND TECHNICAL INSTITUTE (NETI) JoAnn Dean, NETI Program Administrator, and Ellen Capiello, Program Manager of the Shelton Program, were present for this discussion. The Board reviewed the waiver request for Susan Levine which was denied unanimously as she has not matriculated into an MSN program. The Board reviewed the documentation from Lincoln Educational Services which notified the Board that New England Technical Institute was acquired by Lincoln Education Services on January 11, This is now the parent company of NETI with corporate offices in New Jersey. Paul Taub, Executive Director and Vice President of NETI has committed to remain with the school in his previous capacity. Mr. Taub reports directly to a corporate Vice President. Jo-Ann Dean, LPN Administrator has committed to remain with the school in her previous capacity as have all the Department Managers located at each campus. Ms. Dean will continue to report to Mr. Taub and the Department Managers will continue to report to Ms. Dean. The Board reviewed the Organizational Charts and requested a revised organizational chart to reflect consistency in the reporting outline to the Executive Director/Director of Education. The regulations are silent on new ownership. Based on the information submitted the LPN Program will remain the same with no substantive changes. Due to the acquisition all employees were grandfathered in with each employee s new hire date by Lincoln as January, According to the new school regulations, the four-year time limit for acquiring the MSN begins on the date of hire. NETI would like to know if this means that each of their employees that are pursuing the MSN has an additional four years? Also if their request for an extension is denied, does Ms. Levine have the ability to be hired by another nursing education program in Connecticut? The wording of the new regulations implies that an instructor could continue to change employment every four years and never obtain his/her MSN degree. The Board requests an informal opinion from the Office of the Attorney General regarding the language in the new nursing school regulations.

19 SCHOOL ISSUES: ST. VINCENT S COLLEGE SELF-EVALUATION REPORT Dr. Susan Abbe, Assistant Dean of Nursing and Allied Health, and Margo McCarthy, were present for this report. The Board reviewed the self-evaluation report. Patricia Bouffard moved and Katherine Pellerin seconded that this report be accepted as meeting all Department of Public Health Regulations for the Registered Nursing Education Programs and the program be granted full approval. The motion passed unanimously. SCHOOL ISSUES: ST. VINCENT S COLLEGE REFRESHER PROGRAM APPROVAL Virginia Stoeffel, Director of Continuing Education, was present for this report. The Board reviewed the report for the RN Refresher Course. The course will consist of 152 hours as follows: 28 theory hours and 28 skills hours which will be held at the St. Vincent s College and 96 clinical practicum which will be held at St. Vincent s Medical Center. Patricia Bouffard moved and Katherine Pellerin seconded that the program be granted full approval. The motion passed unanimously. SCHOOL ISSUES: FEASIBILITY STUDY OUTLINE The Board is going to work towards creating guidelines for new programs presenting their Feasibility Study to the Board. The Board suggested that a query be done through the NCSBN to see if other programs throughout the United States have a Feasibility Study Outline. The Board also commented that they briefly looked at the recent report received from Porter and Chester and the report appears the same as presented in the past with only a few minor changes. The prior report presented by Porter and Chester was rejected by the Board. Donna Canalis will contact Jack Burke to discuss the Board s comments on the report. SCHOOL ISSUES: LPN EVENING PROGRAM AND SEPARATE EXAM CODES The Board requests that separate exam codes be given to the LPN evening programs. Donna Canalis will discuss the Board s request with Stephen Carragher. SCOPE OF PRACTICE: ADMINISTRATION OF BUPIVICAINE IN HOME SETTING BY RNs The Board reviewed the documentation received in the mail regarding the administration of Bupivicaine in the home by RNs via Axillary or Epidural access catheters. In the June 6, 2001 Board Minutes the Board found that the administration of this drug was not within the scope of practice of RNs but within the scope of practice for CRNAs. The Board expressed concerns about the safety of this agent in the home care setting, as it may cause respiratory arrest as late as six hours following administration. The 2001 Board Minutes did not differentiate if this was pertaining to Intravenous administration or all routes of administration. Currently Bupivicaine is being administered in very dilute concentrations through Axillary and Epidural catheters and they would like to clarify the Board s standing on this. The Board discussed the axillary perineural Bupivacaine continuous infusion via catheter/pump in the home, monitored by RNs from a home infusion company. Since the last meeting, the Board has been able to research some Anesthesiology literature on the subject. A few investigational trials are reported in Florida, North Carolina, Sweden, Belgium.

20 The articles discussed the efficacy, side effects, complications, and monitoring. While no life threatening complications occurred, they stated numerous complications could occur including respiratory arrest, seizures, diaphragmatic paralysis, Horner's syndrome, infection from indwelling but not implanted catheters, profound motor block with subsequent limb injury, pump failure or malfunction or tampering allowing an unintentional "bolus" of local anesthetic. The studies indicated that this was not a widely acceptable form of pain management, and that further study needed to be done. None of the articles mentioned the role of the RN in the home monitoring the safety or efficacy of the pain devices. Interestingly, the authors all did patient and family (in Europe "Attendant") teaching of the side effects, complications and care of the catheters. The authors emphasized that they (the anesthesiologists that inserted the catheters) did follow up calls and remained responsible and available to the patients 24/7 via telephones and pagers for any and all problems or concerns. None of the studies had catheters infusing for more than 2-3 days. The Board cannot find evidence in the current anesthesia literature supporting the widespread and safe use of in-home infusion of local anesthetics through axillary for acute post op pain catheters monitored by home care RNs. The Board does not believe the nurses can affirmatively meet our scope of practice questions and cannot condone their involvement in this practice. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF STATE BOARDS OF NURSING Chair Bafundo will be attending the Mid Year meeting in March and the Executive Officer meeting in April. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OCTOBER 6, 2004 Katherine Pellerin moved and Linda Sacheli seconded that these minutes be approved as written. The motion passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OCTOBER 6, 2004 Patricia Bouffard moved and Katherine Pellerin seconded that these minutes be approved as written. The motion passed unanimously. REINSTATEMENT HEARING REQUEST FAYETTE TREMALLO, RN, REVOKED Ms. Tremallo was present. The Board reviewed the documentation provided. Joan Dobbins moved and Linda Sacheli seconded that the request for reinstatement hearing be denied. The Board requests further documentation of Ms. Tremallo s work history since the revocation and if she hasn t worked since the revocation the reason for this, what her plans are for the future, what type of work she would be interested in when she returns to work as a nurse, letter from her sponsor, reports from recent urine screens as urine screens presented to the Board were from 2002, and current letter from her therapist. Once this information is received Ms. Tremallo may reapply to the Board for a reinstatement hearing.